Hihi! Welcome to Chapter 4! Thanks for supporting me till now! I love writing this story. MinakoxAkihiko lover for life! :D
Again I apologize if it's bad. I'm still trying my best to improve from time to time. Hmm? Now I'm thinking that maybe I should make a manga out of this. LOL I got too much free time xD.
Anyway, reviews keeps me going please and thank you!
Enjoy~
Chapter 4: reunion.
Paullownia Mall Police Station, 31st August 2012, Early Evening,
Akihiko and Kurosawa just arrive at the police station to file in a report about Akihiko's training.
"Here's his progress sir," said Kurosawa as he passed a document about Akihiko's combat performance and the ability to be a police officer to the chief in charge.
"I see. Looks like you're doing great Sanada-san. We're low on officer now a days. Glad Kurosawa here found you," said the cheif as he look at the document.
"Thank you sir," said Akihiko as he bow down.
"Well, at any case Sanada-san. Your... attire is rather unique," said the chief.
"I'm sorry sir. It's my responsible for my deciple. I will be in charge for his attire soon enough," said Kurosawa
"Well, I'll leave that to you Kurosawa," said the cheif.
A knock on the door was heard.
"Come in," command the cheif.
The door open and one of the police officer in charge enters in the room.
"Sorry sir, I would like to pass a message to Officer Kurosawa for the moment," said the police.
"Go on ahead," said the cheif.
"Officer Kurosawa sir, apparently this afternoon, there's a young lady looking for you," said ther police.
"And do you have her details?" asked Kurosawa.
"If I'm not mistaken, her name was Arisato... Minako," answer the police.
"Arisato Minako? There's no way right? I thought she was..." thought Akihiko in an instant.
Suddenly Akihiko remembered about catching a glimps of the XXII hairpin. "Could that be her?" he wandered.
"What time was she here?!" asked Akihiko to the police.
"Eh? Well, I don't have much details though," answered the surprised police officer.
"Damn..." said Akihiko as he reaches for the door.
"Sanada? Where are you going?" asked Kurosawa.
"I have to check this out myself. I should have known that was her just now in the station. My apology, I'll be taking my leave now," said Akihiko as he left the office outside.
"Hey Sanada?!" said Kurosawa wanting to chase him.
"Kurosawa, let him be," said the cheif.
"But sir?" question Kurosawa.
"It looks like it's something important. He must have known the girl well right?" asked the cheif.
Oficer Kurosawa was lost for words. The name Arisato Minako does ring a bell. He then remember about a young high school girl who use to buy weapons from him. "So that's her?" thought Kurosawa.
Akihiko is running for his life to the monorail station to look for clues. A few people still does stare at him cause of his cape but he couldn't care less bout it anymore.
"Minako... Are you really back?" the question keeps running over and over in his head.
He then asked the monorail ticket seller about her but she couldn't remember as she has many customers. For the moment where he thinks there is no hope he thinks for the moment. There must be a clue somewhere.
Suddenly he remembers an incident where he asked her out on Sunday.
"I'm sorry Aki, I promised to meet Bunkichi and Mitsuko in the bookstore today. They're getting old and a bit lonely so I can't.," said Minako
"Oh I see," said the dissapointed Akihiko.
"Tell you what, I'll promise to go on a date with you on Monday," said Minako cheerfully.
"I..I, w...well, t...that's ok," said the flustered Akihiko.
"Then it's a date then!" said Minako.
"Bookstore? Could she be in the Strip Mall?" thought Akihiko.
He let's out a sigh and buys a ticket to Iwatodai Strip Mall. At least there's a good place to start checking after all.
Iwatodai Strip Mall Bookstore, 31st August 2012, Early Evening.
"Excuse me?" said Minako as she enters the bookstore.
"Well welcome customers," said a male voice he can't see properly as he is carrying a stack of books above his height.
"Let me help out Bunkichi-san," said Minako as she takes some of the book and place them to one side.
"Hmm? That voice?" said Bunkichi as he adjust his glasses.
"Minako-chan?!" said the surprised Bunkichi.
"It's good to see you again," giggled Minako.
"How long has it been? 3 years? I thought you've forgotten about us," said Bunkichi.
"Let's just say something came up that I have to leave. Anyway? Where's Mitsuko-san?" asked Minako.
"Mitsuko is... Well, it's best if I show you,"said Bunkichi as he lead Minako to the back of the store.
Minako followed Bunkichi to behind the store and saw a picture of Mitsuko there with a few prayer sticks. This can only mean one thing... Mitsuko has passed...
"Hi dear. Looks who's here to visit. Minako-chan is all grown up and very beautiful," said Bunkichi as he goes into prayer position.
"I...I'm sorry to ask something like this," said Minako feeling dissapointed.
"It's alright Minako-chan. I'm sure Mitsuko is glad to see you too," said Bunkichi as he push Minako forward to let her say hi to his wife.
Minako goes into prayer position and prays.
"Hi Mitsuko-san. It's me Minako. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. I had a little something to do. I wish you good wishes and I guess you've met your son in heaven. Hope you two will get along," prays Minako.
As Minako finishes praying a few tears started coming out from Bunkichi eyes. Minako turn towards Bunkichi and gives him a friendly hug.
"It'll be okay Bunkichi-san. You're not alone anymore. They're always with you in your heart," said Minako.
"Thank you Minako-chan. You always have the words to cheer me up," said Bunkichi as he wipes off his tears.
"I'm sure Mitsuko and my son are happy to see you here," continues Bunkichi.
"I'm glad to be back. I'll promise to visit you and pray for Mitsuko's sprit too," replied Minako in a cheerful smile.
"You're still as sweet as ever Minako-chan. Let's not stay here too long. Come I'll prepare some tea. I may be old but I still can do this," chuckled Bunkichi.
"Thank you," greated Minako as they went to the counter of the bookstore.
Minako and Bunkichi had tea and offer a bit of chat. Minako missed talking to her old friend. He tells many wonderfull yet silly stories at time. After a few chatting, as Minako was about to leave the door opens and Akihiko enters in, still half-naked with a cape.
"Eh?!" said Minako as she stumble backwards almost falling down.
"Watch out!" said Akihiko as he catches her.
"That was close," he sighs as he let her balance again.
Minako was lost in words. So the caped guy was Akihiko Sanada?! Her own lover?
Akihiko looks at her closely to check if she really is who he thinks she is. As his face goes closer, Minako's face turns redder as well, her lover is half-naked in front of her after all. Bunkichi got annoyed thinking that Minako was in danger pushes Akihiko away from her.
"H...Hey?! Wait..." said Akihiko
"How dare you touch Minako-chan dressing like that! She may not be my granddaughter but I treat her like she's mine," scolded Bunkichi.
"M...Minako? So I'm right?" said Akihiko.
"You looking for a fight buddy?" said Bunkichi as he raise his fist to his face level.
"A...Aki?!" said Minako still in surprise.
"Minako-chan you know him?" asked Bunkichi as he turns towards her.
"Y...Yes... He's Akihiko Sanada. M...My boyfriend?" said Minako blushing.
Awkward silence is in the bookstore for a few seconds then Bunkichi lets out a laugh.
"So he's your boyfriend huh Minako-chan? I'm surprised you're dating someone like him," said Bunkichi with a laugh.
"Ummm well, it's a long story" said Minako finding hard to explain.
"Minako? Is it really you?" asked Akihiko going closer to her.
"Eh?! Uhhh well yeah?" said Minako as she blushes harder.
Without thinking, Akihiko embraces her. Well, he did missed her after all. Minako's face turns bright red. She feels Akihiko's half-naked body. Bunkichi then claps his hands to snap Akihiko out.
"Alright time out you youngster," said Bunkichi.
"Oh?! R...right! S...sorry!" said Akihiko letting go of Minako instantly. He has a slight blush on his face.
Minako is still blushing bright red as she can't say a word. She haven't felt this way in a while.
"Sit down my boy and have some tea. Any friend of Minako-chan is always welcome here," said Bunkichi.
"Y..Yeah? Thanks," greated Akihiko.
The three of them sat down and does a little chatting. Akihiko and Bunkichi are getting along well. Minako was a bit relieved about that. Time flies and evening has come. Both Akihiko and Minako greet farewell to Bunkichi and leave the store.
"It really is you Minako," said Akihiko as he touches Minako's face making sure that he's not having any illusions.
"Aki... Yes silly, it's me," giggles Minako with a slight blush while touching his hand telling him that she's really here.
"Thank god. I really thought I lost you," said Akihiko with a sigh of relieve.
"Looks like you're doing, erm... very well Aki," said Minako looking at him.
"Well I feel great of course. Now that you're here that is," said Akihiko with a slight blush.
"You've really grown... Do you always wear something like this Aki?" said Minako trying hard not to laugh.
Akihiko was speachless for a second. Here a reunion with the person he loved and he's not in the appropriate dresscode. He blushes of embarasment. He didn't felt this way before when he had the other reunion with Mitsuru and Aigis.
"W...well it's much easier to..." said Akihiko but was interupted.
"To maneuver?" interupted Minako with a few giggles.
"Y...Yeah. H..How did you figure it..." said Akihiko but was interupted again.
"Out? I've know you for over a year Aki. When you dress strangely means it's for your training. Just like wearing your swim wear in Tartarus," giggles Minako even more.
Akihiko was lost for words. Minako figure everything out correctly. She still even remembers about what he said to her in Tartarus exploring with a swimwear. This proves that she is the Minako that he remembers and he loves.
"Anyway, do you have anywhere to stay at the moment Minako?" asked Akihiko while clearing his throat and avoiding her eyes.
"Well? I was staying in Mutatsu's place before. I don't want to get into their way so I have to find a place to stay soon," said Minako.
"H..How bout my place then. I...I mean if you want to. That place is big enough for a family after all," said Akihiko still blushing.
"Eh? Is it alright? I mean I don't mind," said Minako with a slight blush.
"Then it's settled. Stay with me for the moment then Minako," said Akihiko feeling a bit relieved.
Minako nods in agreement and they both walks towards Akihiko's apartment not too far from there. They exchange chatting about the memories they had and the rest of the members of SEES. Akihiko told Minako about his adventure around the world including the P-1 Grand Prix and his job offer as a police officer. Minako listen to it and giggles to some of them. The both of them feel happy to be able to talk to each other again.
Sanada's Residence, 31st August 2012, Evening
Akihiko lead Minako inside of his apartment. He was relived that he cleaned up the place before she comes in.
"Wow, this place is amazing," said Minako in a bit of surprised.
"It's nothing much. Just a place to start a new family that is. T..Though, I'm not planning to find any other girl other than you M...Minako," said Akihiko with a slight blush.
"Eh? Well it's fine," giggles Minako.
"Anyway I better tell Mutatsu that I'll be staying here," said Minako as she takes out her cell phone to send a text.
Akihiko carries her things to the bedroom.
"You can sleep here Minako. I'll just take the couch," said Akihiko.
"Eh? But that can't be right Aki. You should sleep on the bed," said Minako as she finished texting.
"There's no way I'm letting you sleep on the couch Minako," said Akihiko.
"Then what about this? We share the bed. I mean it's a king sized bed after all," said Minako.
Akihiko was surprised by Minako's solution. He mearly blushes.
"A...aren't you worried I might do something unnecessary to you?" asked Akihiko.
"Hmm? Not really. If you're the same Aki I love and know, I trust you won't do anything to me right?" giggles Minako confidently.
"O...of course not!" said Akihiko as he blushes more.
"W...well the bathroom is there, I'll get you a towel," said Akihiko as he reaches for the towel in the closet and passed it to her.
Minako giggles and gives him a small kiss on his cheeks as she grabs the towel and headed to the bathroom. Once the bathroom door is close, Akihiko wipes off his sweat from his head. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. It's exciting for him but he manage to calm himself down from doing anything rash. He then headed to the living room to use the house phone to call his best friend, Shinjiro.
"Hello? Shinji? It's me Aki," said Akihiko.
"What do yer want from me now Aki? I'm not in a mood here," grunted Shinjiro in the line.
"I've got some news to tell you. To tell the truth, I don't know where to start," said Akihiko.
"Well, this better be quick. I ain't have time for yer anymore," said Shinjiro.
"It's about Minako. She's back," said Akihiko. He can hear a loud clack soud coming from the phone. He guessed Shinjiro might have drop his cell on the ground and picked it up.
"Are you serious?!" asked Shinjiro.
"Yeah, I am. She's here staying at my place now. Mind passing the message to everyone else?" said Akihiko.
"Fine. This is news. But Aki, take care of her alright. Don't do anything stupid you got it?" said Shinjiro.
"W...Why would you think that?! Of course I won't," said Akihiko as he close the phone call.
After the call, Akihiko removes his cape and hung it on the couch while sitting down and closes his eyes for a moment. He still can't believe his best friend would think of him like a sick pervert like Junpei.
Minako who just got out of the bathroom watches Akihiko and walks towards him and gives him a surprise hug behind him.
"Aki, I'm done, it's your turn," giggles Minako.
"R...Right," said Akihiko as he blushes.
Akihiko headed to the bathroom as Minako turns on the television to watch a few shows. Once Akihiko is done, he join her and they watch a movie together till almost midnight.
"It's almost midnight..." said Minako in a worried tone.
"Yeah..." said Akihiko as he looks at the clock. It's a few minutes to midnight.
"Aki? What do you think if the dark hour is back?" asked Minako.
"If it's back this time, we'll find another way to stop it," said Akihiko.
Both Akihiko and Minako stares at the clock. Minako goes closer to Akihiko and he hugs her tight. They both brace themself on what's going to happen next.
10...
9...
8...
7...
6...
5...
4...
3...
2...
1...
Minako closes her eyes hoping to see a greenish seenary but...
"It's not here?" said Akihiko.
Minako opens her eyes and stares at the clock. It's 12:01 am. No dark hour.
"It really is gone?" said Minako still feeling a little scared.
"Yes it is," replied Akihiko as he hugs her tighter making her feel relaxed.
Minako feels relieved at the same time feels a bit sleepy. She then slowly fall asleep while Akihiko is huging her. Akihiko let's out a small chuckle and carries her to the bedroom and lay her down and tuck her in. He gives a small kiss on her forehead and sleep beside her.
"Good night Minako. We'll really never be apart from now on," said Akihiko as he slowly fell asleep.
That's it! End of chapter 4! I personally think the scene where Bunkichi is acting defensive towards Minako is funny. Well, I think O.O. It was a fun chapter to write.
Preview to next chapter:
Minako had a dream about Miki and she found the truth about her sacrifice. SEES return for a reunion!
Disclaimer: Again, I DO NOT own Persona series. All rights and reserve belong to their owners.
Thanks for reading^^
Jennette Enduro: Thanks for reviewing^^ I did what you told me to do and this is what it turns out. I'd combined two chapters into one this time and I hope it's long enough. Sorry if the story is too long. I originally planned to make this into an anime series of episode of minimum 12 chapters to 25 chapters. Thanks for bearing with me till now^^
